Data reproduction device, video display apparatus and software update system and software update method which use them

ABSTRACT

An MPEG decoder IC in a DVD reproduction apparatus decodes update software read from a CD-ROM, and a transmission signal conversion IC transmits the decoded update software to a television receiver via data lines, utilizing InfoFrames in supplemental data. A microprocessor in the DVD reproduction apparatus indicates a software update to a microprocessor in the television receiver. Software for the microprocessor is stored in a memory of the television receiver. The microprocessor updates the software in the memory using the update software received by a reception signal conversion IC.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a data reproduction apparatus, a videodisplay apparatus, and a software updating system and a softwareupdating method using the data reproduction apparatus and the videodisplay apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

When problems occur in software for a television receiver, it isnecessary to update the software in order to correct the problems. Forthis reason, a software updating circuit is suggested for updatingsoftware for a television receiver. For example, a software updatingcircuit described in JP 10-164446 A is provided with a changeover switchthat enables software to be changed in a market adjustment mode via avariety of input/output terminals in a television receiver.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional software updatingcircuit. The software updating circuit in FIG. 7 comprises a flash ROM(Read Only Memory) incorporating microprocessor 101, a switching circuit103, and a signal processor 104.

Software 109 is written in the flash ROM in the microprocessor 101. Themicroprocessor 101 outputs a clock/data line switching signal 102 to theswitching circuit 103. The switching circuit 103 feeds a clock/datesignal 108 for updating the software to the microprocessor 101.

The television receiver has an S video input terminal 105. The S videoinput terminal 105 includes a luminance signal input terminal 106 and achrominance signal input terminal 107. The S video input terminal 105 isconnected with a board or a personal computer 110 for updating thesoftware.

In the example of FIG. 7, when the television receiver enters a marketadjustment mode, update software is input from the software updatingboard or the personal computer 110 by way of the luminance signal inputterminal 106, the chrominance signal input terminal 107, and theswitching circuit 103 to the microprocessor 101 as the clock/data signal108.

In this manner, the software 109 for the microprocessor 101 is updatedby the clock/data signal 108 from the software updating board or thepersonal computer 110.

With the conventional software updating circuit, however, a service manhas to visit a house to set the television receiver in a marketadjustment mode before connecting a special software updating board orthe personal computer 110 to the S video input terminal 105 of thetelevision receiver.

Further, even if such conditions for software updating are satisfied,the operation of software updating is so complicated that a user cannotupdate software on his or her own at home without a service man visitinghis or her house.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a data reproductionapparatus that allows a user to easily update software for a videodisplay apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide a video display apparatusthat allows the user to easily update software.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a software updatingsystem and a software updating method that allow the user to easilyupdate software for a video display apparatus.

A data reproduction apparatus according to one aspect of the invention,for reproducing data recorded in a recording medium, and capable ofbeing connected via an interface bus to a video display apparatus thatoperates according to software, comprises a transmitter that transmitsvideo data and audio data read from the recording medium, using a firstarea and a second area, respectively, to the video display apparatus viathe interface bus, and a controller that controls the transmitter totransmit, at the time of a software update for the video displayapparatus, update software read from the recording medium to the videodisplay apparatus via the interface bus, using a third area fortransmission of additional data that is different from the first andsecond areas, while indicating the software update to the video displayapparatus.

The video data and the audio data read from the recording medium aretransmitted, using the first area and the second area, respectively,from the transmitter in the data reproduction apparatus via theinterface bus to the video display apparatus. This causes an image to bedisplayed on the video display apparatus based on the video data, and asound to be output from the video display apparatus based on the audiodata.

At the time of the software update for the video display apparatus, thecontroller controls the transmitter to transmit the update software readfrom the recording medium to the video display apparatus via theinterface bus, using the third area for transmission of the additionaldata. In addition, the controller indicates the software update for thevideo display apparatus. The software for the video display apparatus isthus updated using the update software.

This allows the user to easily update the software for the video displayapparatus using the data reproduction apparatus.

Information related to the software update may further be recorded inthe recording medium, and the controller may control, at the time of thesoftware update for the video display apparatus, the transmitter totransmit the related information read from the recording medium to thevideo display apparatus via the interface bus, using the first areaand/or the second area.

In this case, at the time of the software update for the video displayapparatus, the related information read from the recording medium istransmitted to the video display apparatus via the interface bus, usingthe first area and/or the second area. This allows the informationrelated to the software update to be displayed or output on or from thevideo display apparatus.

The related information may include audio data, and the controller maycontrol the transmitter, at the time of the software update for thevideo display apparatus, to transmit the audio data in the relatedinformation read from the recording medium to the video displayapparatus via the interface bus, using the second area.

In this case, at the time of the software update for the video displayapparatus, the audio data in the related information read from therecording medium is transmitted to the video display apparatus via theinterface bus, using the second area. This allows the informationrelated to the software update to be output from the video displayapparatus as a sound.

The related information may include video data, and the controller maycontrol the transmitter, at the time of the software update for thevideo display apparatus, to transmit the video data in the relatedinformation read from the recording medium to the video displayapparatus via the interface bus, using the first area.

In this case, at the time of the software update for the video displayapparatus, the video data in the related information read from therecording medium is transmitted to the video display apparatus via theinterface bus, using the first area. This allows the information relatedto the software update to be displayed on the video display apparatus asan image.

The related information may include operational guide informationrepresenting an operational procedure for the software update.

In this case, at the time of the software update for the video displayapparatus, the operational guide information representing theoperational procedure for the software update is transmitted to thevideo display apparatus via the interface bus, using the first areaand/or the second area. This allows the operational procedure for thesoftware update to be displayed or output on or from the video displayapparatus.

The interface bus may include a data line that transmits the video data,the audio data, and the additional data, a clock line that transmits aclock signal, and a control line that transmits a control signal,wherein the first area may be a video period of the video data, and thesecond and third areas may be present in a blanking interval of thevideo data, and the transmitter may output a clock signal to the clockline while transmitting, in synchronization with the clock signal, theupdate software via the data line using the third area.

In this case, the video data, audio data, and additional data read fromthe recording medium are transmitted to the video display apparatus viathe data line, the clock signal is transmitted via the clock line, andthe control signal is transmitted via the control line. The updatesoftware is transmitted in synchronization with the clock signal, usingthe third area for the additional data within a blanking interval of thevideo data. This allows the software for the video display apparatus tobe updated using the interface bus that connects between the datareproduction apparatus and the video display apparatus.

The update software may include identification information foridentifying an object whose software should be updated, and thecontroller may indicate a software update to the video display apparatusbased on the identification information.

This provides an indication of the object whose software should beupdated in the video display apparatus based on the identificationinformation.

The data reproduction apparatus may further comprise a storage devicethat stores software for the controller, wherein the controller mayindicate a software update to the video display apparatus when theidentification information represents the video display apparatus, andmay update the software stored in the storage device, using the updatesoftware read from the recording medium, when the identificationinformation represents a software update for the controller.

In this case, when the identification information represents the videodisplay apparatus, the controller indicates the software update to thevideo display apparatus. When the identification information representsthe software update for the controller, the controller updates thesoftware stored in the storage device, using the update software readfrom the recording medium. This allows the software for the videodisplay apparatus and the software for the controller in the datareproduction apparatus to be selectively updated.

A video display apparatus according to another aspect of the inventioncomprises a video display apparatus that operates according to software,and a data reproduction apparatus for reproducing data recorded in arecording medium, and capable of being connected to the video displayapparatus via an interface bus, wherein the data reproduction apparatusincludes a transmitter that transmits video data and audio data readfrom the recording medium, using a first area and a second area,respectively, to the video display apparatus via the interface bus, anda controller that controls the transmitter to transmit, at the time of asoftware update for the video display apparatus, update software readfrom the recording medium to the video display apparatus via theinterface bus, using a third area for transmission of additional datathat is different from the first and second areas, while indicating thesoftware update to the video display apparatus, and wherein the videodisplay apparatus comprises a receiver that receives the video data andthe audio data transmitted by the data reproduction apparatus via theinterface bus using the first area and the second area, respectively, anaudio output unit that outputs a sound based on the audio data receivedby the receiver, a video display unit that displays an image based onthe video data received by the receiver, a processor that controls thevideo display unit and the audio output unit, and a storage that storessoftware for the processor, wherein the processor updates, uponreception of the update software by the receiver that is transmitted viathe interface bus using the third area for transmission of theadditional data that is different from the first and second areas, andindication of the software update by the data reproduction apparatus,the software stored in the storage using the update software received bythe receiver.

The video data and the audio data transmitted by the data reproductionapparatus, using the first area and the second area, respectively, arereceived by the receiver in the video display apparatus via theinterface bus. The sound is output from the audio output unit based onthe audio data received by the receiver, and the image is displayed onthe video display unit based on the video data received by the receiver.

Moreover, when the update software has been received by the receiver viathe interface bus using the third area for transmission of theadditional data, and the software update has been indicated by the datareproduction apparatus, the software stored in the storage device isupdated using the received update software. In this way, the softwarefor the video display apparatus can be easily updated using the datareproduction apparatus.

The processor may control the receiver to receive information related tothe software update that is transmitted via the interface bus using thefirst area and/or the second area, and cause the video display unit todisplay an image and the audio output unit to output a sound, based onthe related information received by the receiver.

In this case, the information related to the software update that istransmitted via the interface bus using the first area and/or the secondarea is received by the receiver. The image is displayed by the videodisplay unit while the sound is output by the audio output unit, basedon the received related information. This allows the user to easilyrecognize the information related to the software update visually andaudibly.

The video display apparatus may further comprise an expansion functionunit that implements an expansion function, another processor thatcontrols the expansion function unit, and another storage that storessoftware for the processor for the expansion function, wherein theprocessor may transmit, upon indication of a software update for theother processor by the data reproduction apparatus, the update softwarereceived by the receiver to the other processor while indicating thesoftware update for the other processor, and the other processor mayupdate the software stored in the other storage according to theindication by the processor, using the update software transmitted fromthe processor.

In this case, when the software update for the other processor in thevideo display apparatus has been indicated by the data reproductionapparatus, the received update software is transmitted to the otherprocessor, and the software update is indicated to the other processor.This causes the other processor to update the software stored in theother storage using the update software. In this way, the software forthe plurality of processors in the video display apparatus can be easilyupdated using the data reproduction apparatus.

The video display apparatus may include a television receiver. In thiscase, the software for the television receiver can be easily updated bythe data reproduction apparatus.

A software updating system according to still another aspect of theinvention comprises a video display apparatus that operates according tosoftware, and a data reproduction apparatus for reproducing datarecorded in a recording medium, and capable of being connected to thevideo display apparatus via an interface bus, wherein the datareproduction apparatus includes a transmitter that transmits video dataand audio data read from the recording medium, using a first area and asecond area, respectively, to the video display apparatus via theinterface bus, and a controller that controls the transmitter totransmit, at the time of a software update for the video displayapparatus, update software read from the recording medium to the videodisplay apparatus via the interface bus, using the third area fortransmission of the additional data that is different from the first andsecond areas, while indicating the software update to the video displayapparatus, and wherein the video display apparatus comprises a receiverthat receives the video data and the audio data transmitted by the datareproduction apparatus via the interface bus, using the first area andthe second area, respectively, an audio output unit that outputs a soundbased on the audio data received by the receiver, a video display unitthat displays an image based on the video data received by the receiver,a processor that controls the video display unit and the audio outputunit, and a storage that stores software for the processor, wherein theprocessor updates, upon reception of the update software by the receiverthat is transmitted via the interface bus using the third area fortransmission of the additional data, and indication of the softwareupdate by the data reproduction apparatus, the software stored in thestorage using the update software received by the receiver.

The video data and the audio data read from the recording medium aretransmitted by the transmitter in the data reproduction apparatus, usingthe first area and the second area, respectively, to the video displayapparatus via the interface bus. The video data and the audio datatransmitted by the data reproduction apparatus, using the first area andthe second area, respectively, are thus received by the receiver in thevideo display apparatus via the interface bus. The sound is output fromthe audio output unit based on the audio data received by the receiver,and the image is displayed on the video display unit based on the videodata received by the receiver.

At the time of the software update for the video display apparatus, thecontroller controls the transmitter to transmit the update software readfrom the recording medium to the video display apparatus via theinterface bus, using the third area for transmission of the additionaldata. In addition, the controller indicates the software update to thevideo display apparatus. The software stored in the storage device inthe video display apparatus is thus updated using the received updatesoftware.

In this way, the software for the video display apparatus can be easilyupdated using the data reproduction apparatus.

A software updating method according to yet another aspect of theinvention, for updating software for a video display apparatus using adata reproduction apparatus for reproducing data recorded in a recordingmedium, and capable of being connected to the video display apparatusvia an interface bus, comprises the steps of transmitting, at the timeof a software update for the video display apparatus, update softwareread by the data reproduction apparatus from the recording medium to thevideo display apparatus via the interface bus, using a third area fortransmission of additional data other than a first area for transmissionof video data and a second area for transmission of audio data;indicating the software update to the video display apparatus by thedata reproduction apparatus; receiving by the video display apparatus,upon indication of the software update by the data reproductionapparatus to the video display apparatus, the update softwaretransmitted via the interface bus using the third area; and updating thesoftware for the video display apparatus using the received updatesoftware.

In the software updating method, at the time of the software update forthe video display apparatus, the update software read by the datareproduction apparatus from the recording medium is transmitted to thevideo display apparatus via the interface bus, using the third areaother than the first area for transmission of the video data and thesecond area for transmission of the audio data. When the software updatehas been indicated by the data reproduction apparatus to the videodisplay apparatus, the update software transmitted via the interface bususing the third area is received by the video display apparatus. Thesoftware for the video display apparatus is updated using the receivedupdate software.

In this way, the software for the video display apparatus can be easilyupdated using the data reproduction apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a softwareupdating system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing by a microprocessor in the DVDreproduction apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing by the microprocessor inthe DVD reproduction apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing by a microprocessor in thetelevision receiver in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing by the microprocessor inthe television receiver in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing by a microprocessor in thetelevision receiver in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventionalsoftware updating circuit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a softwareupdating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the software updating system comprises a DVD(Digital Versatile Disk) reproduction apparatus 200 and a televisionreceiver 300. The television receiver 300 is connected with the DVDreproduction apparatus 200. A CD-ROM (Compact-Disk Random-Access Memory)201 has recorded therein update software and operational guideinformation in MPEG (Moving Picture Coding Experts Group) form.

The update software herein includes software for correcting problems inan earlier version of software, software for reinforcing or addingfunctions, a later version of software, and the like. The operationalguide information is information for guiding visually and audibly a userthrough the operational procedure to be performed for a software update.The operation to be performed by the user includes, for example,selection of software to be updated, selection of a function to beupdated, ejection of the CD-ROM 201, and the like.

The DVD reproduction apparatus 200 includes an MPEG decoder IC(Integrated Circuit) 202, a transmission signal conversion IC 203, amicroprocessor 204, and a memory 205.

The television receiver 300 includes a reception signal conversion IC301, a video processor 302, an audio DAC (Digital-Analog Converter)circuit 303, a display 304, a speaker 305, a microprocessor 306, amemory 307, a microprocessor 308, a memory 309, and an expansionfunction unit 310.

The DVD reproduction apparatus 200 and the television receiver 300 areconnected via an HDMI interface cable CA in conformity with the digitalinterface standard referred to as HDMI (High-Definition MultimediaInterface) standard. The HDMI interface cable CA includes data lines D1,D2, D3, a pixel clock line CK, and a control line CT.

According to the HDMI standard, it is possible to transmit video datawhile transmitting supplemental data during blanking intervals (verticalblanking intervals and horizontal blanking intervals) of the video data.The supplemental data includes audio data (audio packets) and datapackets referred to as InfoFrames (Information Frames) Utilizing theseInfoFrames, it is possible to transmit a variety of information(additional data). In the embodiment, the update software is transmittedby utilizing the InfoFrames. The aforementioned operational guideinformation comprises pixel components (video data) and audio dataincluded in the InfoFrames.

The update software is divided into a plurality of data packets, and theplurality of data packets are distributed to be inserted into InfoFramesfor a plurality of blanking intervals. The update software is rearrangedbased on the header added to each data packet for restoration.

The microprocessor 204 in the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 controlsthe transmission signal conversion IC 203.

At normal times, the MPEG decoder IC 202 decodes the data recorded in aDVD in MPEG form, and at the time of a software update, it decodes thedata recorded in the CD-ROM 201 in MPEG form (i.e., update software).The transmission signal conversion IC 203 separates the data decoded bythe MPEG decoder IC 202 into pixel component data (video data) andsupplemental data, outputs a pixel clock to the pixel clock line CK, andoutputs the pixel component data and the supplemental data to the datalines D1, D2, D3 in synchronization with the pixel clock.

The data line D1 transfers the pixel component B (blue video data) andthe supplemental data to the television receiver 300 in synchronizationwith the pixel clock on the pixel clock line CK. The data line D2transfers the pixel component G (green video data) and the supplementaldata to the television receiver 300 in synchronization with the pixelclock on the pixel clock line CK. The data line D3 transfers the pixelcomponent R (red video data) and the supplemental data to the televisionreceiver 300 in synchronization with the pixel clock.

The reception signal conversion IC 301 in the television receiver 300receives the pixel components and the supplemental data transferred viathe data lines D1, D2, D3 in synchronization with the pixel clock on thepixel clock line CK. The video processor 302 extracts a video signalfrom the pixel components received by the reception signal conversion IC301, and causes the display 304 to display an image based on the videosignal. The audio DAC circuit 303 converts the audio data included inthe supplemental data received by the reception signal conversion IC 301to an analog audio signal, and causes the speaker 305 to output a soundbased on the audio signal.

The microprocessor 306 controls the video processor 302 and the audioDAC circuit 303. The memory 307 stores software for the microprocessor306. The microprocessor 308 controls the expansion function unit 310.The memory 309 stores software for the microprocessor 308. The expansionfunction unit 310 implements functions available in addition to theinherent functions of the television receiver 300, i.e., displayingimages and outputting sounds. For example, the expansion function unit310 includes such functions as recording of television broadcast andconnection to the Internet.

Referring now to the flowcharts of FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the operation ofthe software updating system in FIG. 1 is described.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are flowcharts each showing processing by themicroprocessor 204 in the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 in FIG. 1.

The CD-ROM 201 has recorded therein the update software and theoperational guide information in MPEG form. The update software includesID (identification) information representing for which of themicroprocessors 204, 306, 308 the software should be updated.

When the user inserts the CD-ROM 201 into a CD-ROM drive (not shown) ofthe DVD reproduction apparatus 200, the MPEG decoder IC 202 decodes thedata read from the CD-ROM 201, and feeds the decoded data to thetransmission signal conversion IC 203. The transmission signalconversion IC 203 separates the decoded data into pixel components andsupplemental data.

The microprocessor 204 first reads InfoFrames from the supplemental dataobtained from the MPEG decoder IC 202 (Step 1). Then, the microprocessor204 determines whether or not update software is included in the readInfoFrames (Step S2).

When the update software is included in the InfoFrames, themicroprocessor 204 instructs the microprocessor 306 in the televisionreceiver 300 via the control line CT to display and output a visual andaudio operational guide (Step S3), and transmits operational guideinformation to the television receiver 300 as the pixel components andthe supplemental data using the transmission signal conversion IC 203(Step 4). This causes the display 304 in the television receiver 300 todisplay an image showing an operational procedure, and the speaker 305to output a sound showing the operational procedure.

Further, the microprocessor 204 determines whether or not the IDinformation in the InfoFrames read from the transmission signalconversion IC 203 indicates a software update for the microprocessor 204(Step S5).

When the ID information indicates a software update for themicroprocessor 204, the microprocessor 204 rewrites the software storedin the memory 205 with the update software in the InfoFrames to updatethe software in the memory 205 (Step S6), to complete the processing.

When at Step S5, the ID information does not indicate a software updatefor the microprocessor 204, the microprocessor 204 instructs themicroprocessor 306 in the television receiver 300 via the control lineCT to update the software for the microprocessor 306 or themicroprocessor 308 based on the ID information (Step S7).

After that, the microprocessor 204 determines whether or not themicroprocessor 306 is capable of receiving data (Step S8). When themicroprocessor 306 is capable of receiving data, the microprocessor 204transmits the update software for the microprocessor 306 or 308 to thetelevision receiver 300 via the data lines D1, D2, D3 using thetransmission signal conversion IC 203 (Step S9).

Then, the microprocessor 204 determines whether or not a receptioncompletion notice has been received from the microprocessor 306 in thetelevision receiver 300 via the control line CT (Step S10). Themicroprocessor 204 continues the processing at Step S9 until it receivesthe reception completion notice from the microprocessor 306. Uponreception of the reception completion notice from the microprocessor306, the microprocessor 204 completes the processing.

If, at Step S2, the update software is not included in the InfoFrames,the microprocessor 204 completes the processing.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts each showing processing by themicroprocessor 306 in the television receiver 300 in FIG. 1.

The microprocessor 306 in the television receiver 300 monitors thecontrol line CT (Step S21) to determine whether or not it has beeninstructed via the control line CT to display and output the operationalguide (Step S22). When instructed to display and output the operationalguide, the microprocessor 306 receives the operational guide informationvia the data lines D1, D2, D3 using the reception signal conversion IC301 (Step S23).

Then, the microprocessor 306 determines whether or not a software updatehas been indicated via the control line CT (Step S24).

Upon indication of a software update, the microprocessor 306 determineswhether or not it is capable of receiving data (Step S25). When beingcapable of receiving data, the microprocessor 306 informs themicroprocessor 204 in the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 via the controlline CT that it is capable of receiving data (Step S26).

The microprocessor 306 subsequently receives the update software via thedata lines D1, D2, D3 using the reception signal conversion IC 301 (StepS27). The microprocessor 306 determines whether or not the updatesoftware has been received from the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 (StepS28).

Upon reception of the update software, the microprocessor 306 transmitsa reception completion notice to the microprocessor 204 in the DVDreproduction apparatus 200 via the control line CT (Step S29).

Then, the microprocessor 306 determines whether or not the IDinformation in the InfoFrames indicates a software update for themicroprocessor 306 (Step S30).

When the ID information indicates a software update for themicroprocessor 306, the microprocessor 306 rewrites the software storedin the memory 307 with the update software in the InfoFrames to updatethe software in the memory 307 (Step S31), to complete the processing.

When the ID information does not indicate a software update for themicroprocessor 306, the microprocessor 306 instructs the microprocessor308 to update the software via a serial bus line SB (Step S32). Further,the microprocessor 306 transmits the update software to themicroprocessor 308 via the serial bus line SB (Step S33).

After that, the microprocessor 306 determines whether or not an updatecompletion notice has been received from the microprocessor 308 via theserial bus line SB (Step S34). Upon reception of the update completionnotice from the microprocessor 308, the microprocessor 306 transmits thereception completion notice to the microprocessor 204 in the DVDreproduction apparatus 200 via the control line CT (Step S35), tocomplete the processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing by the microprocessor 308 inthe television receiver 300 in FIG. 1.

The microprocessor 308 determines whether or not a software update hasbeen indicated by the microprocessor 306 via the serial bus line SB(Step S41). Upon indication of a software update by the microprocessor306, the microprocessor 308 receives the update software from themicroprocessor 306 via the serial bus line SB (Step S42).

Then, the microprocessor 308 rewrites the software stored in the memory309 with the update software received from the microprocessor 306 toupdate the software in the memory 309 (Step S43).

After that, the microprocessor 308 transmits an update completion noticeto the microprocessor 306 via the serial bus line SB (Step S44).

In this way, the update software recorded in the CD-ROM 201 in MPEG formis downloaded onto the microprocessor 204 in the DVD reproductionapparatus 200 or onto the microprocessor 306 or 308 in the televisionreceiver 300 based on the ID information, and the software stored in thememory 205, 307 or 309 is updated.

As described above, the software updating system according to theembodiment enables the software for any of the microprocessor 204 in theDVD reproduction apparatus 200 and the microprocessors 306, 308 in thetelevision receiver 300 to be easily updated simply by inserting theCD-ROM 201 that has recorded therein the update software in MPEG forminto the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 connected to the televisionreceiver 300. This eliminates the necessity for a service man to visiteach user's house to update software using a special technique. Thisresults in substantial reductions in the service cost.

Moreover, in the software updating system according to the embodiment,connection of the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 to the televisionreceiver 300 via the data lines D1, D2, D3, the pixel clock line CK, andthe control line CT in conformity with the HDMI standard enablestransfer of the operational guide information comprising video data andaudio data from the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 to the televisionreceiver 300. This causes the television receiver 300 to visually andaudibly output the operational guide for software updating. Accordingly,the user can easily perform the operation for software updatingaccording to the video and audio operational guide.

In the embodiment, an indication as to which of the microprocessorsrequires a software update is provided by the microprocessor 204 in theDVD reproduction apparatus 200 to the microprocessor 306 in thetelevision receiver 300 using the control line CT. However, theembodiment is not limited to this, and the indication as to which of themicroprocessors requires a software update may be provided to themicroprocessor 306 using the InfoFrames included in the supplementaldata that is transmitted by the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 to thetelevision receiver 300.

In addition, the operational guide information comprising video data andaudio data is transmitted from the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 to thetelevision receiver 300. However, operational guide informationcomprising audio data or video data may be transmitted from the DVDreproduction apparatus 200 to the television receiver 300. In this case,the television receiver 300 outputs an audio operational guide or avideo operational guide only.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the DVD reproduction apparatus 200outputs the pixel component B, pixel component G, and pixel component Rto the data lines D1, D2, D3, respectively. However, the DVDreproduction apparatus 200 may output luminance data and two pieces ofcolor-difference data to the data lines D1, D2, D3, respectively.

In the embodiment, the DVD reproduction apparatus 200 corresponds to adata reproduction apparatus, and the television receiver 300 correspondsto a video display apparatus and a television receiver. The transmissionsignal conversion IC 203 corresponds to a transmitter, themicroprocessor 204 corresponds to a controller, and the memory 205corresponds to a storage device. The reception signal conversion IC 301corresponds to a receiver, the video processor 302 and the display 304correspond to a video display unit, and the audio DAC circuit 303 andthe speaker 305 correspond to an audio output unit. The microprocessor306 corresponds to a processor, the memory 307 corresponds to a storage,the microprocessor 308 corresponds to another processor, and the memory309 corresponds to another storage. The infoFrames corresponds to athird area.

1. A data reproduction apparatus for reproducing data recorded in arecording medium, and capable of being connected via an interface bus toa video display apparatus that operates according to software,comprising: a transmitter that transmits video data and audio data readfrom the recording medium, using a first area and a second area,respectively, to said video display apparatus via said interface bus;and a controller that controls said transmitter to transmit, at the timeof a software update for said video display apparatus, update softwareread from the recording medium to said video display apparatus via saidinterface bus, using a third area for transmission of additional datathat is different from said first and second areas, while indicating thesoftware update to said video display apparatus, wherein said interfacebus includes a data line that transmits the video data, the audio data,and the additional data, a clock line that transmits a clock signal, anda control line that transmits a control signal, said first area is avideo period of the video data, and said second and third areas arepresent in a blanking interval of the video data, and said transmitteroutputs a clock signal to said clock line while transmitting, insynchronization with the clock signal, the update software via the dataline using said third area.
 2. The data reproduction apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein information related to the software update isfurther recorded in the recording medium, and said controller controls,at the time of the software update for said video display apparatus,said transmitter to transmit the related information read from therecording medium to said video display apparatus via said interface bus,using said first area and/or said second area.
 3. The data reproductionapparatus according to claim 2, wherein said related informationincludes audio data, and said controller controls said transmitter, atthe time of the software update for said video display apparatus, totransmit the audio data in said related information read from therecording medium to said video display apparatus via said interface bus,using said second area.
 4. The data reproduction apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein said related information includes video data, and saidcontroller controls said transmitter, at the time of the software updatefor said video display apparatus, to transmit the video data in saidrelated information read from the recording medium to said video displayapparatus via said interface bus, using said first area.
 5. The datareproduction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said relatedinformation includes operational guide information representing anoperational procedure for the software update.
 6. The data reproductionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said update software includesidentification information for identifying an object whose softwareshould be updated, and said controller indicates a software update tosaid video display apparatus based on said identification information.7. The data reproduction apparatus according to claim 6, furthercomprising a storage device that stores software for said controller,wherein said controller indicates a software update to said videodisplay apparatus when said identification information represents saidvideo display apparatus, and updates the software stored in said storagedevice, using the update software read from the recording medium, whensaid identification information represents a software update for saidcontroller.
 8. A video display apparatus capable of being connected to adata reproduction apparatus via an interface bus, wherein said interfacebus includes a data line that transmits video data, audio data, andadditional data using a first area, a second area and a third area,respectively, a clock line that transmits a clock signal, and a controlline that transmits a control signal, and said first area is a videoperiod of the video data, and said second and third areas are present ina blanking interval of the video data, said video display apparatuscomprising: a receiver that receives the video data and the audio datatransmitted by said data reproduction apparatus via said interface bus,using said first area and said second area, respectively, and receivesupdate software transmitted in synchronization with the clock signaloutput to said clock line by said data reproduction apparatus, usingsaid third area other than said first and second areas; an audio outputunit that outputs a sound based on the audio data received by saidreceiver; a video display unit that displays an image based on the videodata received by said receiver; a processor that controls said videodisplay unit and said audio output unit; and a storage that storessoftware for said processor, wherein said processor updates, uponreception of the update software transmitted via said interface bususing said third area by said receiver, and indication of a softwareupdate by said data reproduction apparatus, the software stored in saidstorage using the update software received by said receiver.
 9. Thevideo display apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said processorcontrols said receiver to receive information related to the softwareupdate that is transmitted via said interface bus using said first areaand/or said second area, and causes said video display unit to displayan image and said audio output unit to output a sound, based on therelated information received by said receiver.
 10. The video displayapparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: an expansionfunction unit that implements an expansion function; another processorthat controls said expansion function unit; and another storage thatstores software for said processor for said expansion function, whereinsaid processor transmits, upon indication of a software update for saidother processor by said data reproduction apparatus, the update softwarereceived by said receiver to said other processor while indicating thesoftware update for said other processor, and said other processorupdates the software stored in said other storage according to theindication by said processor, using the update software transmitted fromsaid processor.
 11. A software updating system comprising: a videodisplay apparatus that operates according to software; and a datareproduction apparatus for reproducing data recorded in a recordingmedium, and capable of being connected to said video display apparatusvia an interface bus, wherein said data reproduction apparatus includes:a transmitter that transmits video data and audio data read from therecording medium, using a first area and a second area, respectively, tosaid video display apparatus via said interface bus; and a controllerthat controls said transmitter to transmit, at the time of a softwareupdate for said video display apparatus, update software read from therecording medium to said video display apparatus via said interface bus,using a third area for transmission of additional data other than saidfirst and second areas, while indicating the software update to saidvideo display apparatus, wherein said interface bus includes a data linethat transmits the video data, the audio data, and the additional data,a clock line that transmits a clock signal, and a control line thattransmits a control signal, said first area is a video period of thevideo data, and said second and third areas are present in a blankinginterval of the video data, and said transmitter outputs a clock signalto said clock line while transmitting, in synchronization with the clocksignal, the update software via the data line using said third area,wherein said video display apparatus comprises: a receiver that receivesthe video data and audio data transmitted by said data reproductionapparatus via said interface bus using said first area and said secondarea, respectively; an audio output unit that outputs a sound based onthe audio data received by said receiver; a video display unit thatdisplays an image based on the video data received by said receiver; aprocessor that controls said video display unit and said audio outputunit; and a storage that stores software for said processor, whereinsaid processor updates, upon reception of the update software by saidreceiver that is transmitted via said interface bus using the third areafor transmission of the additional data, and indication of the softwareupdate by said data reproduction apparatus, the software stored in saidstorage using the update software received by said receiver.
 12. Thesoftware updating system according to claim 11, wherein said videodisplay apparatus includes a television receiver.
 13. A softwareupdating method for updating software for a video display apparatususing a data reproduction apparatus for reproducing data recorded in arecording medium, and capable of being connected to said video displayapparatus via an interface bus, comprising the steps of: transmitting,at the time of a software update for said video display apparatus,update software read by said data reproduction apparatus from therecording medium to said video display apparatus via said interface bus,using a third area for transmission of additional data other than afirst area for transmission of video data and a second area fortransmission of audio data; indicating the software update to said videodisplay apparatus by said data reproduction apparatus; receiving by saidvideo display apparatus, upon indication of the software update by saiddata reproduction apparatus to said video display apparatus, the updatesoftware transmitted via said interface bus using said third area; andupdating the software for said video display apparatus using saidreceived update software, wherein said interface bus includes a dataline that transmits the video data, the audio data, and the additionaldata, a clock line that transmits a clock signal, and a control linethat transmits a control signal, said first area is a video period ofthe video data, and said second and third areas are present in ablanking interval of the video data, and transmitting the updatesoftware comprises outputting the clock signal to said clock line whiletransmitting, in synchronization with the clock signal, the updatesoftware via the data line using said third area.